The Eastern meadowlark is a medium-sized songbird found in grasslands and prairies across eastern North America. As their name suggests, meadowlarks make their nests in meadows and fields. Specifically, Eastern meadowlarks build nests on the ground hidden in dense grasses. This provides cover and warmth for their eggs and young. In this article, we will explore in detail where and how Eastern meadowlarks construct their nests.
Nesting Habitat
Eastern meadowlarks nest in a variety of open grassland habitats across their range, including:
- Prairies
- Pastures
- Hayfields
- Grasslands
- Savannas
- Marshes
The key requirements seem to be dense, tall grasses and herbaceous plants. This provides concealment from predators and insulation from weather. Eastern meadowlarks avoids nesting in areas with extensive woody vegetation or bare ground. The ideal habitat has a mix of grasses, forbs, legumes, and scattered shrubs. Some key grass species used for nesting include big bluestem, little bluestem, Indian grass, switchgrass, grama grass and wheatgrass. Common forbs found in nesting areas include goldenrods, asters, clovers and alfalfa.
Nest Placement
Within their preferred nesting habitat, Eastern meadowlarks construct a well-hidden nest on the ground. The female chooses the exact nest site which meets several criteria:
- Concealed in dense vegetation – Usually at the base of a grass clump
- Shade – Often next to a shrub or forb
- Insulation – Surrounded by dead grasses and litter
- Protection – Near a log, rock, or raised area
The concealed nests are usually domed structures built from surrounding dead grasses and herbaceous material. They are often placed next to some object which provides shade in the hot summer months. The nests are lined with fine soft grasses and sometimes hair to insulate the eggs. By carefully selecting the nest site, the female meadowlark hides her nest from predators and harsh weather.
Nest Construction
Female Eastern meadowlarks build the nest themselves. They weave together a domed or cylindrical cup placed on the ground in dense vegetation. The outer part of the nest is constructed from dead grass stems, strips of grass leaves, flower stalks, and herbaceous stems. This coarse material forms the shape of the nest and conceals it.
The inner cup where the eggs are laid is then lined with softer, finer materials. The female meadowlark lines the nest with soft grasses, plant down, feathers, or animal hair. This inner lining provides insulation to help keep the eggs and nestlings warm. Meadowlark nests are approximately 6 inches high and 7 inches across.
Building the nest takes 4-9 days from start to completion. Once built, the female may continue to add material to the nest throughout egg laying and incubation. She may also make repairs if needed. Both parents will later add material to expand the nest as the chicks grow.
Nest Materials | Purpose |
---|---|
Dead grass stems | Structure and concealment |
Flower stalks | Structure and concealment |
Herbaceous stems | Structure and concealment |
Soft grasses | Insulation |
Plant down | Insulation |
Feathers | Insulation |
Hair | Insulation |
Timing of Nesting
The timing of nest building and egg laying varies across the Eastern meadowlark’s range. It is primarily influenced by latitude and climate. Here are some general ranges:
- Southern range (e.g. Texas, Oklahoma): March – August
- Central range (e.g. Missouri, Illinois): April – August
- Northern range (e.g. Wisconsin, Michigan): May – August
- Sometimes two broods per year in south, one brood in north
Within their local area, Eastern meadowlarks may adjust nest timing based on seasonal conditions each year. Nesting will begin earlier in warm spring seasons compared to colder springs. The female starts building the nest 1-7 days before the first egg is laid. Then she lays one egg per day until the clutch is complete. Clutches contain 3-5 eggs (sometimes 2-6).
Impacts on Nesting
Several natural factors and human activities can influence Eastern meadowlark nesting:
Weather
Severe storms, flooding, drought, and cold temperatures can all destroy nests or kill chicks. Meadowlarks avoid areas with frequent flooding when nest site selecting.
Predators
Many animals prey on meadowlark nests including snakes, ground squirrels, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, deer, and domestic cats. The cryptic nest sites help avoid detection.
Haying & Mowing
Nesting birds and eggs can be destroyed by mowing and harvesting hayfields too early in summer. Delaying mowing until after peak nesting season greatly improves reproductive success.
Grazing
Light to moderate grazing provides favorable habitat, but heavy uncontrolled grazing degrades nesting areas over time. Rotational grazing helps maintain meadow quality.
Fire
Periodic prescribed fire maintains optimal habitat, but burns should be conducted outside of primary nesting season.
Habitat Loss
Draining wetlands and converting prairies to cropland destroys nesting habitat. Fragmentation also reduces habitat quality over time.
Conservation Measures
Various conservation practices can help create and maintain quality Eastern meadowlark nesting habitat:
- Protect extant grasslands through conservation easements or land purchases
- Restore degraded habitats by reseeding native plant communities
- Implement rotational grazing plans and rest periods
- Maintain habitat heterogeneity with varying vegetation heights
- Conduct prescribed burns outside nesting season
- Avoid mowing hayfields before peak nesting is complete
- Control non-native and woody plant invasions
- Limit use of pesticides which reduce food supplies
Conclusion
In summary, Eastern meadowlarks nest on the ground in dense grassy habitats like prairies, pastures, grasslands, and wet meadows. The female builds a domed grass nest concealed at the base of thick vegetation. Nests are intricately woven from dead grasses and lined with soft materials. Nesting occurs from March to August depending on latitude. Several natural factors and human activities can impact nesting success. Conservation of remaining grasslands along with sustainable grazing, farming, and fire practices are needed to maintain habitat for meadowlarks and other grassland nesting birds.